Episode 42, The Nature or Attributes of God (Part IV - Further Analysis and Discussion)

For religious believers,
considering the questions that surround the nature or attributes of
God, is important in their attempt to form a coherent understanding
of their creator.

In the Summa
Theologica, shortly after arguing for the existence of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas writes the following: “Having recognised that
a certain thing exists, we have still to investigate the way in
which it exists, that we may come to understand what it is that
exists.” This seems like a peculiar thing to state. I know that
there exists something, but I have no idea as to what this thing
is. As Brian Davies points out in his book Philosophy of Religion: A Guide and Anthology, this
not such an odd statement after all. Suppose I attempt to open a
door, and something stops it from opening. I might say, ‘well
something is certainly in the way’. If it makes sense to make this
statement, it also makes sense to ask, 'what is it'?

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A weekly 'informal and informative' philosophy podcast inspiring and supporting students, teachers, academics and free-thinkers worldwide. All episodes are available at www.thepanpsycast.com.